Srinagar Travel Guides

Srinagar spotlight

Known for its extravagant use of spices, Kashmiri cooking is considered an art form. Slow-cooked meat dishes are complemented by exotic pulao rice, sweetened by dried fruit and nuts. Other regional Indian cuisines are widely available, including favorites such as chicken tikka masala. And an important ingredient of any Kashmiri meal is green tea, known as kahwa, boiled with saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon.

In Srinagar and the surrounding hills you can find a high-end hotel for a romantic escape or settle back at a colonial-style retreat. Many travelers make the trip to Kashmir to experience the serenity of staying on a houseboat on Dal or Nagin Lake. In wintertime, the nearby ski resort of Gulmarg is popular with visitors.

Shopping in Srinagar is an adventure. You can expect to be jostled in traditional markets and to poke through stores that haven’t changed much since the time of the British Raj. Kashmiri handicrafts are famed worldwide for their distinctive designs and the skill of their craftsmen. Head to Srinagar for the source of fine pashmina shawls and richly lacquered papier-mâché work.

Tranquil lakes framed by mountain peaks, ancient temples, and elaborate Mughal gardens are among Srinagar's top sights. The city and its surrounds offer exciting adventures and fantastic photo opportunities, so take your time to explore. Trekking in the Himalayas, staying on a houseboat, and haggling at markets selling Kashmiri handicrafts are just a few of its attractions.

Known as the “Venice of the East,” Srinagar is the summer capital of the valley of Kashmir. A water lover’s paradise famous for its natural beauty, the city attracts visitors with its tranquil lakes, cozy houseboats and picturesque gardens originally created by Mughal emperors. Holy Hindu temples and distinctive wooden mosques are dotted around the city, too.

Srinagar is significantly cooler than the rest of India and the best time to visit is between March and October. Over 95 percent of the population is Muslim, which has influenced cuisine, architecture, and the arts. For many years there have been security concerns about Kashmir, although no tourists have been targeted since the 1990s. However, you'll see a strong military presence in town.